New York Apartments: The Ultimate Renters Guide

View from One MiMA Tower in Hell’s Kitchen

New York — in particular, the borough of Manhattan — is often referred to as “the city that never sleeps,” and for good reason. As one of the nation’s oldest and largest cities, it houses a wealth of historical, cultural and artistic experiences to enjoy.

That incredible amount of diversity extends to the real estate market as well. Some of the buildings that line Manhattan’s streets date back centuries and are full of historical charm. Others are freshly built and showcase the latest architectural techniques. However, the variety within New York’s neighborhoods only serves to ensure that there is an ideal home out there for everyone who is looking.

To make your housing search as easy as possible, we’ve created a comprehensive guide of the key neighborhoods within Manhattan and the best places to live within them. We spent more than 40 hours conducting extensive research on New York apartments, neighborhoods and residential options.

We looked at more than 110 apartment complexes throughout Manhattan, categorizing them by location and compared them on a set list of criteria. Besides basic information such as year constructed, number of units and average rent prices, we factored in community amenities such as outdoor spaces and fitness facilities.

We delved into the interior design, looking for features such as hardwood flooring, stainless steel appliances, balconies and other modern features. We also placed strong consideration on Walk Scores and accessibility to their respective neighborhoods, all to make confident decisions to determine the best of the best.

From the culturally rich streets of East Harlem to the ultramodern apartment complexes that make up the newly residential Financial District, we’ve delved into 10 of Manhattan’s most popular neighborhoods. Whether you’re hoping to move to the city in the near future or simply want to see what life is like for its residents, we hope that this guide to New York apartments provides everything you’re looking for.

Neighborhoods covered in this guide to New York apartments:

Upper East Side

One of Manhattan’s most affluent neighborhoods, the Upper East Side runs from Central Park to the East River and from 59th to 96th streets. Once home to the Kennedys and the Rockefellers, this area’s refined character still makes it a draw among celebrities and the New York elite, and it’s not hard to see why.

In addition to its proximity to Central Park, offering visitors a rare slice of nature within this undoubtedly urban environment, the sprawling mansions and picturesque townhouses that make up the area’s residential sections sit alongside world-class museums and the flagship stores for haute couture clothing designers.

All told, UES boasts a sense of elegance that can be felt just as surely on its streets as it can be seen in depictions on shows like I Love Lucy and Gossip Girl.

Things To Do

There’s no shortage of exciting ways to pass the time in the Upper East Side. Take a walk through Central Park to discover a zoo, rowboats, a castle and a seasonal ice rink. Those looking for culture can stroll along Museum Mile, a stretch of Fifth Avenue between 82nd and 105th streets, home to a plethora of museums including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of the City of New York.

After a busy day, stop into The Carlyle Restaurant inside the historic Carlyle Hotel for an old-school fine-dining experience. For something a bit more relaxed, consider the lush beer garden at Uptown Local for pub fare and a large selection of brews. When it’s time for a sweet treat, head to Serendipity 3 and try one of its signature sundaes.

Transportation

While the Upper East Side is served only by the IRT Lexington Avenue Station (4, 5 and 6), there are plenty of bus lines to help users get around town. The M1, M2, M3, M4, M15, M15SBS, M31, M98, M101, M102 and M103 lines run uptown and downtown, while the M66, M72, M79, M86 and M96 run crosstown. Since many residents keep their cars in the city, parking options are plentiful.

Upper East Side Apartments

Highlights: Located in Lenox Hill, these distinctly urban apartments feature barnwood-style flooring, private balconies and open kitchens with Bosch appliances. The updated building includes a gym, landscaped patio and roof deck.

Highlights: These apartments, two blocks from Carl Schurz Park, have been redesigned with contemporary white kitchen cabinetry and granite countertops in both the kitchen and bathrooms. Units with up to four bedrooms are available. Amenities include an entertainment lounge, children’s playroom and health club with a swimming pool and squash court.

Highlights: Ranging from studio to three-bedroom units, these apartments on First and 91st in Yorktown feature a contemporary mix of barnwood-style flooring, espresso-finished cabinetry and private balconies. There is also a private courtyard, billiards room and fitness center for residents.

The Runners Up

Upper West Side

Bordered by two of of the city’s largest green spaces — Central Park to the east and Riverside Park to the west — the Upper West Side is generally considered to make up the area between Central Park and the Hudson River, from 59th to 110th streets. Recently, however, the slightly northern subsection of Morningside Heights has also been included within its boundaries.

Primarily residential in nature, the Upper West Side’s population is made up a mix of families and students attending one of the area’s prestigious colleges and universities, such as Columbia or Barnard. While multiple apartment complexes and rowhouses dot this neighborhood’s leafy streets, it’s the two-tiered luxury co-ops dating to the 1930s that bring home the area’s aura of old-school glitz and glamour.

Things To Do

A mecca for the high arts, Lincoln Center is home to 11 performing arts institutions, including the New York Philharmonic and the New York City Ballet. Not far away, theAmerican Museum of Natural History is often privy to traveling exhibitions on loan from far-off destinations, but the permanent dinosaur wing and the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life are two must-see attractions.

Before setting out on any adventures, stop by Zabar’s for true New York bagels and lox. Later, when it’s time for a break, sip on one of the many literary-themed cocktail creations atThe Dead Poet. End your day by indulging in some excellent greasy-spoon fare from Tom’s Restaurant, best known for being the diner exterior shown on Seinfeld.

Transportation

Two subway lines service the Upper West Side. Head to the IRT Broadway-Seventh Avenue Line to catch the 1, 2 and 3 trains, or the IND Eighth Avenue Line to access the A, B, C and D lines. Those who prefer the bus can count on the M5, M7, M10, M11 and M104 lines for transport up and down the island, while the M66, M72, M79, M86, M96 and M106 run across town.

Upper West Side Apartments

Highlights: The exterior exoskeleton architecture is instantly recognizable, while the all-white interiors are equally modern and streamlined, accented by wood flooring and floor-to-ceiling windows. This unique building, two blocks from Central Park, also includes a rooftop terrace and garden.

Highlights: The modern apartments at The Larstrand feature Bosch appliances, Bertazzoni gas ranges and Samsung refrigerators with built-in LCD digital displays, as well as bathrooms with heated tile flooring. There’s over 5,000 square feet of rooftop entertainment space, complete with a full kitchen, TVs and panoramic views.

The Runners Up

Hell’s Kitchen

Running from 34th Street in the south to 59th Street in the north and from Eighth Avenue west to the Hudson River, the area known as Hell’s Kitchen has had many names. In addition to its intimidating moniker, this part of the city is also sometimes referred to as both Clinton and Midtown West.

Though there are a few distinct theories as to how Hell’s Kitchen got its name, many agree that it has something to do with the neighborhood’s rough past. Traditionally, this rough-and-tumble area was where many working-class Irish chose to settle when they first arrived in America.

During the last few decades in the 20th century, simultaneous attempts at preservation and gentrification led to an influx of diversity in the area, as well as an eclectic smattering of mixed-used real estate among newer structures. These days, the neighborhood’s proximity to Broadway theaters and Midtown’s industrial warehouses make it a draw for the career-oriented.

Things To Do

Since there’s no shortage of those looking for their big break in Hell’s Kitchen, this part of town is home to some of the city’s premier off-Broadway theaters. In particular, Ars Nova is known for receiving rave reviews for its fresh talent.

Though this area is best known for its wide selection of bars and nightclubs such as Pacha, an international-inspired hot spot offering underground beats, there’s no shortage of good places to grab a bite.

The Original Soupman — best known as the Soup Nazi from Seinfeld — opened his first shop in Hell’s Kitchen. For those who’d like to enjoy a more leisurely meal,Hallo Berlin is the place to go for authentic German eats.

Transportation

Subway stations that stop directly in Hell’s Kitchen are still in development, but the M11 bus stops right in the neighborhood. Neither the 50th Street station (C, E) nor Penn Station (2, 3, A, C, E, Long Island Railroad and Amtrak) are too far out of reach. The area’s proximity to the Lincoln Tunnel, offering connection to New Jersey, means that parking and access to multicity bus lines are plentiful.

Hell’s Kitchen Apartments

Highlights: Within this 63-story glass tower are modern apartment homes boasting design features such as walnut cabinetry, Wolf ranges and marble-encased master bathrooms with deep soaking tubs. A swimming pool, fitness center and several indoor and outdoor lounge areas define the community space.

Highlights: Just off the Hudson on Hell’s Kitchen’s southwest side, Silver Towers is where you’ll find a community roofdeck, numerous on-site retailers and nearly 18,000 square feet of fitness space, including one of NYC’s largest residential swimming pools. Interiors are defined by window walls and clean, minimalistic design.

Highlights: Situated above the trendy eateries of Gotham West Market, these apartments carry urban vibes upward with wide-plank oak flooring, black countertops and custom lighting throughout. Residents can enjoy outdoor space in the courtyard, a second-floor fireplace deck and a 32nd-floor rooftop deck that includes a movie theater with Hudson River views.

The Runners Up

Financial District

Located at the southernmost tip of Manhattan, the Financial District refers to the areas south of Chambers Street, between Broadway and the East River. Though the neighborhood is perhaps best known for the housing Wall Street and the many financial institutions that sit at its center, this modern district also showcases cultural exhibitions and the best of seaport life.

FiDi, as it is sometimes abbreviated, has undergone an incredible transition in the past decade. While it used to be primarily a destination for day traders, after the 9/11 attacks many buildings were sold and converted from office space into apartment buildings.

This newly residential area is said to offer a quieter life compared to the bustling pace of Midtown; in many cases, more space also is available here.

Its proximity to the water also means being within walking distance of some of the city’s signature sightseeing tours. These include Statue Cruises, which takes passengers to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, and Manhattan Helicopter Tours.

There’s no shortage of dining experiences in this neighborhood. It’s not uncommon to see Wall Streeters unwinding after work at historic Fraunces Tavern, which is said to be where the First Continental Congress was held in 1774.

In the summertime, a pop-up collection of street-food vendors known as Smorgasburg line both sides of the South Street Seaport with their one-of-a-kind creations. For special occasions, Delmonico’s is the place to go for that old-school steakhouse vibe.

Transportation

Since so many people commute to the neighborhood, the recently renovated Fulton Center offers connection to several of the city’s major subway lines (2, 3, 4, 5, A, C and J). The M5 and M15 bus lines drop off on either end of Wall Street; just a few blocks away at the seaport, the East River Ferry makes continuous loops from FiDi to places in Brooklyn and Long Island City.

Financial District Apartments

Highlights: The interiors of this Wall Street high-rise have been extensively updated to include hardwood flooring, marble countertops and backsplashes throughout the kitchens and baths. The rooftop deck includes lounge furniture and an outdoor basketball court.

Highlights: At 10 Hanover Square you’ll find hardwood flooring, granite countertops and oversized soaking tubs in the studio to three-bedroom apartments, plus community features such as a rock-climbing wall and rooftop sundeck. Steps from restaurants, nightlife and waterfront parks, it’s no wonder this location has a perfect 100 Walk Score.

The Runners Up

Midtown East

When people think about life in the “Big Apple,” they likely have Manhattan’s Midtown East neighborhood in mind. Sprawling from Fifth Avenue east to the end of the island and covering the area between 40th and 59th streets, it’s generally considered to be the busiest part of the city.

Home to some of New York’s biggest tourist attractions, the population of Midtown East is said to fluctuate greatly; some say it can shrink from 200,000 people during the day to 40,000 at night. However, its centralized location for those in the media and entertainment industries, along with a growing presence in the business world, make Midtown a draw for many.

Things To Do

Taking a trek to the top of the Empire State Building is the perfect way to get a bird’s-eye view of Midtown and the rest of the city. From there, head to Times Square and indulge in a shopping spree at one of its many retail chains. Once the sun goes down, there’s no better way to end the night than by taking in a Broadway show.

When it’s time for a meal, start with classic cocktails at The Rum House to feel as though you’ve been transported back into the Mad Men era. Treat yourself to some refined French fare at La Grenouille, and end the night with a signature cheesecake slice from Junior’s.

Transportation

The area’s central location makes transportation a breeze. The 42nd Street Station/Port Authority Bus Terminal connects to the 1, 2, 3, A, C, E, N, R, Q and 7 subway lines. The 42nd Street Shuttle connects users to the nearby Grand Central Station and the East River Ferry. The 42nd Street crosstown is also an option.

Midtown East Apartments

Highlights: Located in the bustling Turtle Bay neighborhood, these apartments have seen recent renovation, resulting in white contemporary kitchens with European-style glossy cabinets, light wood flooring, recessed lighting and balconies overlooking the East River.

Highlights: Next to Grand Central Station, these apartments include all-white galley kitchens with eat-in breakfast bars, marble bathrooms and plenty of layout options. On the property, residents have access to a health club and a wraparound rooftop deck.

Highlights: With pre-war design details adding character and modern amenities creating convenience, apartments at Stonehedge 57 combine the comfort of a home with the ease of apartment living. Just outside the door, residents are moments from a Whole Foods and highly acclaimed dining and shopping.

The Runners Up

Chelsea

Primarily residential in nature, the quaint neighborhood of Chelsea is generally considered to extend from the Hudson River east to Fifth Avenue. Though there is debate as to whether the area extends to 30th or 34th Street at its north, its southern boundary sits at 14th.

Chelsea is a haven for social diversity, which is reflected in its architecture. Modern apartment blocks stand alongside renovated townhomes and rowhouses from decades past. However, it’s the mid-19th-century brownstones that make up the preserved Chelsea Historic District that are the area’s most sought-after commodity.

The atmosphere in the area is similar. Though Chelsea has always been popular among the LGBT community, its eclectic mix of galleries and designer storefronts combined with smaller, family-run businesses make this neighborhood a draw for anyone who will thrive on its particularly energetic vibe.

Things To Do

Any Chelsea adventure should start with a walk on The High Line. The former elevated rail line, which has been converted into an urban park, runs along the entire length of the neighborhood and boasts unprecedented views.

Those looking for a little more action can hit up Chelsea Piers, where you can enjoy an ice skating rink, batting cages and bowling lanes. Once the sun goes down, Madison Square Garden is the place to be; the event space hosts everything from sporting events to big-name entertainers.

When it’s time for a pit stop, the food stalls at Chelsea Market offer enough variety to satisfy even the most adventurous palates. Follow up the meal with a cocktail at Porchlight, a cozy gastropub helmed by chef Danny Meyer; the next morning, The Grey Dog is the place to go for American brunch classics done right.

Transportation

Its location on the west side means that buses are still the way to go in Chelsea; with M7, M10, M11, M12 and M23 routes, there’s no shortage of options. However, the subway situation is improving. In addition to the nearby Sixth Avenue (F, M) and Eighth Avenue stations (A, C, E), the newly opened 34th Street-Hudson Yards subway stop connects users to the 7 train right in the neighborhood.

Chelsea Apartments

Highlights: Take in the iconic Manhattan skyline from The Continental, where floor-to-ceiling windows dominate the wall space, save for the modern espresso-finish kitchen with an island. For residents, the Continental Club & Spa includes an infinity-edge pool, sun terrace, yoga studio and fitness equipment.

Highlights: The High Line is one of Chelsea’s star attractions, and Abington House couldn’t be closer to it. When they aren’t strolling around the popular park (or nearby Hudson River Park), residents relax in hip apartment interiors featuring walnut cabinetry and a modern neutral palette.

Highlights: Contemporary design meets urban flair at Chelsea Park, where bright units include dark-walnut kitchens, hardwood flooring and balconies. Its grand amenity is Chelsea Social, a private members-only club that has one of the largest residential rooftop green spaces in NYC, as well as a club lounge, fitness center and yoga studio.

The Runners Up

Lower East Side/NoHo

Covering an area that’s bordered by FDR Drive to the east and the Bowery to the west, the Lower East Side is between East Houston Street to the north and Canal Street on its south end.

Traditionally inhabited by immigrants and the working class, this area offers a distinct mix of historic charm and modern gentrification. The picturesque walk-up buildings with brick facades and signature fire escapes exist alongside trendy shops and restaurants, making this a popular spot for young professionals.

Boasting bigger price tags and a more upscale feel, neighboring NoHo — which stands for “North of Houston Street” — extends from Broadway to the Bowery and runs from Houston Street to East Ninth.

Things To Do

There’s no better way to feel immersed in the Lower East Side’s colorful past than by visiting its Tenement Museum. Afterward, get a feel for LES’s current vibe by seeing a comedy show at EastVille Comedy Club or hearing up-and-coming artists at the Mercury Lounge, which is where bands like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and The Strokes got their start.

Dining in the Lower East Side is all about cultural dishes from the different ethnic groups that have made the area their home.Katz’s Delicatessen, the infamous spot from When Harry Met Sally, is a must for classic Jewish comfort food.

Yunnan BBQ is a great pick for those seeking traditional Asian cuisine. End the meal with a little something sweet from Doughnut Plant, one of the area’s many bakeries offering unique takes on classic desserts.

Transportation

Since the Lower East Side marks the starting point for the city’s grid planning system, it’s incredibly simple to travel up and down the neighborhood by taking the M15 bus, which runs the entire length of the island via First Avenue. Hop on the subway at Grand Street to access the B and D subway lines, or walk to the Essex Street stop for the F, J, M and Z lines.

Lower East Side/NoHo Apartments

Highlights: Italian kitchens and porcelain bathrooms define the living spaces in these Lower East Side apartments. The furnished rooftop patio offers grand views of Manhattan, while a second terrace, fitness center and resident lounge also attract residents in their free time.

Highlights: A resort-style swimming pool awaits guests on the rooftop, along with an outdoor kitchen and fire pits overlooking the skyline. High ceilings and oak hardwood flooring can be found in these apartment homes, accented by an earthy palette throughout.